A Beginner's Guide to Combine Harvesters

Combine harvesters are quite common in the agricultural industry, especially towards the fall harvest season. If you're curious about this unique piece of heavy equipment, read on. Below, we cover the basics about combine harvesters.

If you have questions or want to check out combine harvesters for sale, visit Atlantic Tractor. Our dealership has locations throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Highlights of Combine Harvester History

The first model emerged in 1835 from the mind of American inventor Hiram Moore. Its purpose was to combine the tasks of harvesting and separating grain crops, which led to its name 'combine harvester'.

At the time, around 90% of American citizens worked on farms. With the emergence of highly efficient equipment such as the combine harvester, more work was able to be accomplished with reduced manpower. By 1970, around half of American citizens were still working on farms.

Components of Combine Harvesters

The header is able to cut the crop very close to the ground. The spinning auger moves the crop up a conveyor. The grains are separated from the stalks thanks to the threshing segment. The separated grains are held in the grain tank. Harvested grains are moved out of the tank by the elevator. The unloader is a side pipe where grain exits the machine and then lands into a receptacle.

These pieces of equipment can also be equipped with attachments to improve their versatility. A straw chopper, for example, is able to cut up crop residue and disperse it on the field behind the combine harvester.

Popular Uses of Combine Harvesters

Most commonly, the combine harvester will be used to harvest crops like wheat and barley. It's much faster and easier than doing this task by hand!

During this process, the machinery will create refuse that can be used as bedding for livestock or as fertilizer for the soil.

Ready to start enjoying the perks of this type of agricultural equipment? Explore combine harvesters for sale at Atlantic Tractor. We have dealerships in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.